Ravel / Gershwin: Piano Concertos – Denis Kozhukhin

   in Piano International (Nov, 2018)
Pentatone has always been associated with superb recording quality; this is one of its finest. Crystal clarity meets a fine perspective to support Kozhukin’s musicality. Experience of this pianist has so far been mixed, a sterling live recital of Prokofiev’s last three sonatas (QEH 2013) muted by his lacklustre album of Tchaikovsky/Grieg (Pentatone).

The Ravel G major is ultra-beautiful, and holds one of the best recorded slow movements, with a perfectly distanced cor anglais. The Concerto for the LEFTHAND is given one of most tender and sumptuous performances on disc, Kozhukin in command throughout.

The Gershwin, a perfect bedfellow, is not so attuned, but is impetuous at heart, the finale full …